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Roanoke, VA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Roanoke usually comes around Apr 6 and the first fall frost around Nov 11, a growing season of about 219 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9 and plant them outside Apr 20 – May 4.

Last spring frostApr 6
First fall frostNov 11
Growing season219 days

When to plant vegetables in Roanoke

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 20 – May 4—
PeppersFeb 16 – Mar 2Apr 27 – May 11—
EggplantFeb 16 – Mar 2Apr 27 – May 11—
Cucumbers—Apr 20 – May 4—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 20 – May 4—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 27 – May 11—
Green beans—Apr 20 – May 4Aug 19 – Sep 2
Sweet corn—Apr 20 – May 4—
BasilMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 20 – May 4—
LettuceFeb 9 – Feb 23Mar 9 – Apr 20Sep 16 – Sep 30
Spinach—Feb 23 – Mar 16Sep 16 – Sep 30
Peas—Feb 23 – Mar 16Sep 2 – Sep 16
Carrots—Mar 9 – Apr 13Aug 19 – Sep 2
Radishes—Mar 2 – Apr 20Sep 30 – Oct 14
BroccoliJan 26 – Feb 9Mar 9 – Mar 23Aug 19 – Sep 2
KaleFeb 9 – Feb 23Mar 2 – Mar 16Sep 2 – Sep 16
Onions—Mar 9 – Mar 23—
Potatoes—Mar 16 – Apr 13—
Garlic——Oct 28 – Dec 2

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Roanoke. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Roanoke

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlant outside: Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Roanoke?

The median last spring frost is Apr 6 and the median first fall frost is Nov 11, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Roanoke?

Start seeds indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9 and set plants outside Apr 20 – May 4, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Roanoke?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 11): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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